The official programme started with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival at 7.45pm, followed by the singing of the UAE and the Indian national anthem. Crowds who didn't make it inside the stadium gathered outside to witness the occasion through the screens provided outside.

Modi started his speech in Hindi. Watch live here:

People are cheering non-stop. The stadium is almost full less than an hour into Modi's speech.

The open air coolers have arrived giving attendees a respite from the heat. Cultural dances from different Indian states continue to entertain the crowd. There are a few in the audience who dance with their flag draped around them.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public reception turned out to be just the kind of crowded function one expected it to be. Absolute chaos was witnessed at the main gates. Nearly 2km around the stadium was cordoned off and people walked in 42 degrees Celsius, sweating profusely to be greeted by hot water cups.